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Oronio WeeýklyTjies;, Wedlnesday, Decmbller 9, 1998 - 9 Stayin in Touch by John O'Toole, MPP This article is a continuation from ast week on the topic of Bill 56, the creation of the Greater Toronto Services Board. Let me assure you that I have had many meetings and conversations on this issue. For the record, the new board does not have extensive powers. This legislation simply allows two things to happen: 1) to 'promote and facilitate co- ordinated decision making among the munic ipalities in the Greater Toronto Area 2) to exercise general direction and control over GT Transit and allocate cosis of GT Transit in accordance with the Act. Note GI Transit is the new name -for GO Transit Before December 2000, the Board shaîl conduct a review of its size, membership and its powers and report back to the Government. It is this point where many constituents argue that the future is inevitably going to draw us into the Toronto ceiitered urban form. Many tell me that they do not wanit Mayors Mel and Hazel, along with possible chairman Alan Tonks, running Our corn- munity. At the same time, we welcome GT Transit with open arms, we also want the 407 Highway and to be part of the GTA economy. You cannot have it both ways. In my remarks in the legisia- ture last week, I, indicated that I have listened to 'my con- stîtuents and could not support the legislation unhess there were amendments made. 1 have put forward specific amend- ments as follows: A): to allow an opting out process in the year 2M 00for those miuiicipalities whoý choose to not-be part of the GTSB. B): strong language to ensure that the rural and agricultural issues are addressed in the developmnent of policies. 1 wNas pleased this week that Health Minister Elizabethi Witmner announced im11prove- ments to the Trillium Drug Prograrn. Low-income families wit h high drug costs and no private coverage will be able to pay the premiums in pro-rated quarterly payments and stili receive the high cost prescrip- tion drugs they need. Bill 81 hast week brought forward a number of tax and budget measures. The chihd care supplement means that Iow-income families with chîl- dren under age seven can qua] i- fy for a direct provincial chihd tax, credit of just over $1,000.00 'per year per chihd. This support is.good news for many young working families. Last week's unemphoyment numbers were reheased. Ontario and indeed Canada has the ow- est unemp loyment evels in the past decade. Ontario has a rate of 6.8%, the howest for years. Youth unemployment is still far too high. Our premier bas urged Ottawa to eiminate the E.1. premium for our youth. Many are complaining, espe- cially in Ontario, that we pay in over 60% of the El fund and yet get back less that 25%. In the next month, Ottawa is also going to increase the CPP pre- miums by some 30%. This time of year, the police are involved with the RIDE program. It is -neyer okay to drink and drive. At the same time, your Ontario government is introducing measures to increase fines. Those who are under a crimiînal code suspen- sion will have their cars impounded. Take care and don't drink and drive at any time of the year. The Durham Catholic District School Board approved, their budget hast week. The budget is up for 1998/99 to $166.2 million. Average class size at the secondary level is down to 21.9 fromn 27, in- ele- mentary it is under 25 as requîred by Bill 160. The Board bas 50 new educational assistants and teaching staff, up from 1,872 to 1,950. Their buidg-et lias $24 million for new schools or capital imiprove- ments. It is strange that Durham publie and separate sehool board§ both get consid- erably less 11loney than many other areas of the province and, frorn their pïess release, they appear to be getting on with the job. Congratulationis to the Board, the à,taff and to the teachers, students and parents. t is great to Ilear good news in the educatioli field. Our stu- dents will thl'ive in an atmos- phere of hope and optimism. OroioCowntdryCedfe Full Menu ?~Main Street., Orono, Ontario - 983-9009 THE ORDER 0F ONTARJO An exceptional lionour for exceptional people Each year, the Govermnent of Ontario honours a select number of its most exceptional citizens with The Order of Ontario. This prestigious award recognizes Ontarians who have demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievemnent on an international, national or provincial level - in any'field of endeavour. We are looking for people whose contributions have benefited society here in Ontario and elsewhere. People such'as former Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, astr onaut Roberta Bondar, film maker. Norman Jewison and dancer 1(aren Kain --are all past recipients of The Order. If you know of someone whose great achievemnents should be recognized with The Order of Ontario, please cali Ontario Honours, and Awards at (416) 314-7526 to request a.nomination form. Or write: Ontario Honours and Awards Ministry of Ciizenship, Culture and Recreation 4th Floor,,77 BIoor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M7A 2R9 Nomination forms are also available on the ministry Web site at: www.gov.on.cafmczcr Nominations close January 29, 1999. rI MORRIS FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD. SERVING DURHAM REGION SINCE 1841 ALL FUNERAL SERVIýCES PREARRANGED AND/OR PREPAID BURIAL - CREMATION - TRANSFERS "WiHERE 'PROFESSIONAL ETIQU;ETTE 15 IMPORTANT" FUNERAL DIRECTORS PAUL R. MORRIS GARY M. CON WAY DOUG R. RUTHERFORD DEBRA D. KELLERER 623-5480 4 DIVISION ST., 8OWMANVILLE - AT QUEEN ST.